Abstract: The present invention relates to tomato fraction and a process to prepare the same. The tomato product can be used as an universal sweetener to sweeten a variety of food products including non-tomato food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tomato-derived thickening agent, said agent being characterized in that, on a dry weight basis, it contains: 0.1-3 wt. % of lycopene; 14-34 wt. % of protein; 11-35 wt. % of pectin; 17-39 wt. % of sugars selected from fructose, glucose, and combinations thereof. The invention further relates to a process for preparing a tomato-derived thickening agent and to the use of such a thickening agent in food products such as tomato ketchup, tomato-based sauces, pizza sauce, tomato soup and tomato juice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an umami enhancing composition comprising at least one umami enhancing compound, said composition (a) being capable of passing an ultra filtration membrane having a molecular weight cut off of 250 kDa, (b) being substantially free from lycopene, (c) containing a compound of less than 250 kDa, and (d) capable of enhancing the umami taste. Umami active tomato fractions comprising these compositions are also claimed. Such fractions and compositions are suitable for preparing food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tomato-derived thickening agent, said agent being characterized in that, on a dry N weight basis, it contains: 0.1-3 wt. % of lycopene; 14-34 wt. % of protein; 11-35 wt. % of pectin; 17-39 wt. % of sugars selected from fructose, glucose, and combinations thereof. The invention further relates to a process for preparing a tomato-derived thick-ening agent and to the use of such a thickening agent in food products such as tomato ketchup, tomato-based sauces, pizza sauce, tomato soup and tomato juice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing an umami active fraction for enhancing umami taste.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an umami enhancing composition comprising at least one umami enhancing compound, said composition (a) being capable of passing an ultra filtration membrane having a molecular weight cut off of 250 kDa, (b) being substantially free from lycopene, (c) containing a compound of less than 250 kDa, and (d) capable of enhancing the umami taste. Umami active tomato fractions comprising these compositions are also claimed. Such fractions and compositions are suitable for preparing food products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tomato fraction and a process to prepare the same. The tomato product can be used as an universal sweetener to sweeten a variety of food products including non-tomato food products.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a continuous process for producing a fruit and/or vegetable paste comprising separating a continuous stream of fruit and/or vegetable juice into a low solids serum stream and a high solids pulp stream and concentrating the serum stream in a concentrator before recombining it with the pulp stream to produce a recombined stream; wherein the Brix concentration of the recombined stream is automatically adjusted to a constant level by combining the concentrated serum stream, the pulp stream and/or the recombined stream with an adjustable amount of a diluent stream and by automatically adjusting the flow rate of the diluent stream to compensate for fluctuations in the Brix concentration of the pulp stream and/or the concentrated serum stream. The invention also provides a plant for the production of a fruit and/or vegetable paste that can suitably be used to operate the aforementioned continuous process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to natural flavour enhancing extracts and compositions comprising the same, for use in foodstuffs and beverages and to a method for producing such extracts. More in particular, the invention provides improved umami taste imparting fractionated tomato extracts having some very special characteristics with regard to the levels and/or ratios of sugars, amino acids and organic acids. The fractionated tomato extracts of the invention are produced by using nano filtration fractionation. The products so obtained posses improved taste enhancing and/or augmenting (umami) effects and are near colourless and essentially devoid of tomato taste and smell. Thus, unlike the prior art products known, this product can be applied in foods in substantial quantities without concomitantly causing any redness of the product and without imparting tomato-like smell or taste.